Professor’s vision for future cities inspires international award
The next generation of architects and urban planners will be honoured through an international award created in memory of a University of Bradford academic.
‘The City of My Future – Professor Claudia Trillo Award’ will promote the work of young researchers in the field of sustainable urban regeneration.
The award celebrates the work of Professor Claudia Trillo, who joined the University of Bradford as Professor in Architecture in 2022 and died in October 2023.
Dr Cristina Tuinea-Bobe, Business Development Manager and part of the award’s jury, said: “Although Claudia was only with us at Bradford for a short time, she had an immediate positive impact and made many friends across the University.
“I worked closely with her on several research projects, and I met some of her collaborators with whom I am continuing her work and legacy.
“Friends and colleagues across the world came together to create ‘The City of My Future – Professor Claudia Trillo Award’ to carry on her work on sustainable design.”
Professor Claudia Trillo, Professor in Architecture at the University of Bradford, who died in October 2023. Images credit: University of Bradford
More on Professor Trillo
Professor Trillo began her internationally recognised career in 1994 as an assistant researcher on a project run at Nordregio, a leading European research centre.
She directed the Bradford’s new architecture course which used £3 million of high-tech equipment including virtual reality (VR) headsets. The architecture programme, launched in September 2022, gave all enrolling students a scholarship, and helped create a heritage-led strategy for the regeneration of Bradford, and had an emphasis on sustainability.
Vision of future
The City of My Future award calls for young professionals and researchers to reflect on the development of cities, inspired by key themes that defined Professor Trillo’s work which included ensuring her students were well-equipped for the so-called ‘metaverse’, where digital architecture sees international firms designing and creating virtual online buildings and digital twin cities.
The award is open to students, professionals and researchers aged under 35 from backgrounds including architecture, urban planning, engineering, sociology, economics and environmental sciences.
Professor Claudia Trillo has inspired ‘The City of My Future’ award named in her memory. Images credit: University of Bradford
The competition aims to present a ‘vision of the city of the future’ from the specific point of view of each participant. This vision can explore themes including environmental sustainability, urban regeneration, recovery of existing cultural heritage, new technologies and circular economy.
The deadline for award submissions is Wednesday 15 October, followed by evaluation of long abstracts, full papers submitted and evaluated with the winners announced in May 2026.
The ‘City of My Future – Professor Claudia Trillo Award’ supports the University of Bradford’s strategy by encouraging innovation, sustainability and inclusive education. It honours Professor Trillo’s legacy while empowering young researchers to shape future cities through socially impactful design.